Seal, crow above a smaller bird

Oval bezel stamp seal with action between animals motif, eagle attacking a ram. Crescent at 2 o’clock. Seals with the motif of action between animals have been excavated on sealings or bullae at sites like Takht-e Sulaiman and Qasr Abu Nasr in Iran. A hawk attacking an animal may have a religious connotation or signify a fight between royal animals of different families.

[1] According to the donor, object was purchased in Iran between 1943 and 1945. See note by the donor dated from November 24, 1980, copy in object folder, Collection Management Office.

[2] Object was donated in 1980 to the Freer Study Collection, and later transferred to the Permanent Collection in April 1993. See Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.

Previous Owner(s)

Joseph M. Upton

Description

Oval bezel stamp seal with action between animals motif, eagle attacking a ram. Crescent at 2 o'clock. Seals with the motif of action between animals have been excavated on sealings or bullae at sites like Takht-e Sulaiman and Qasr Abu Nasr in Iran. A hawk attacking an animal may have a religious connotation or signify a fight between royal animals of different families.